This remnant is all that remains of a standing stone that somehow escaped the attention of Ordnance Survey mapmakers when they created their detailed 6-inch maps of Ireland. The stone met its unfortunate end around 1977, when it was broken, leaving only this modest fragment to hint at its former presence.

The site occupies an elevated position amidst good agricultural land, offering sweeping views across the surrounding landscape. Such locations were often deliberately chosen for prehistoric monuments, as the height and visibility would have made them prominent markers in the ancient landscape. The fact that this stone went unrecorded by the Ordnance Survey suggests it may have already been partially damaged or overlooked during the extensive mapping projects of the 19th and early 20th centuries.

This archaeological site was documented as part of the comprehensive Archaeological Survey of County Donegal, compiled in 1983 by Brian Lacey and his team of researchers. Their work catalogued field antiquities spanning from the Mesolithic period through to the 17th century, ensuring that even fragmentary remains like this one at Gortinreagh were properly recorded for future generations. While the standing stone itself may be largely lost to time and damage, its inclusion in the archaeological record preserves its place in Donegal's rich prehistoric heritage.